DANIEL TOTTEN: Proposed Quincy C–Mart not in the public interest

Wednesday

Apr 3, 2013 at 12:01 AMApr 3, 2013 at 3:10 AM

Life is change, but change that does not promote the greater good of a community is unacceptable. The impending Quincy City Council vote on a business permit for an Asian supermarket, C-Mart, on Hayward Street in Norfolk Downs is monumental.

Daniel B. Totten

Life is change, but change that does not promote the greater good of a community is unacceptable. The impending Quincy City Council vote on a business permit for an Asian supermarket, C-Mart, on Hayward Street in Norfolk Downs is monumental. This location is divisive toward the greater good of all citizens and taxpayers of Quincy.

Norfolk Downs has experienced dramatic change over the past 20 years in keeping with the changing face of the community. Such change has not only been welcomed but embraced. Of nearly 60 “Downs” businesses, over half are Asian owned/Asian-centric, dedicated to providing goods and services.

Mr. Miao Kun Fang of Weston has purchased the Boston Gear Works building with the purpose of opening a dedicated Asian supermarket. There was no inherent “right” to open a supermarket with that purchase.

There’s an Asian-dedicated supermarket three blocks away, quite walkable and also handy via MBTA and automobile. There are also two major supermarkets within two blocks that sell Asian food and products, plus several variety stores that cater to those very needs.

Studies presented at the March 25 public hearing showed well over 500 additional/new auto trips weekly if this permit becomes a reality. At the hearing, I spoke as a 43-year resident who shops, goes to church, banks, frequents restaurants and much more, in opposition to C-Mart. Many longtime residents do not support C-Mart at that location given the added traffic and pedestrian problems it will introduce upon a community long under assault of such issues.

In the meeting, an Asian man of 80, an 8-year resident, spoke through an interpreter and suggested any opposition to C-Mart was racially motivated. I was insulted.

To play the race card is hideous and disrespectful to all residents and taxpayers.

Mr. Miao Kun Fang is a wealthy businessman looking to become wealthier no matter the cost to the greater good of the community. Would he bring such negative impacts to his own community in the affluent suburb of Weston?

I’m hopeful city councilors will not be duped nor made feel guilty by Mr. Fang and his supporters’ mantra of “racism.” Such claims themselves are racist in nature.

Councilors: Please stand by your original decision and do not be bullied into reversing your original position, which was appropriate because it employed common sense and concern for the best interest of all citizens of Quincy.

Dan Totten lives in Quincy. READ MORE about the C-Mart controversy. Comment on this story on our City of Presidents blog. Click here to write a letter to the editor